Director, AI Innovation & Research Strategy

We're looking for a Director to drive AI innovation forward for a growing organisation at the centre of Singapore's tech ecosystem, by connecting research, funding and industry to help emerging AI capabilities, including their safety, governance and responsible-use dimensions, move from early-stage work through to real commercial impact.

Responsibilities

• Build and manage relationships with research institutions, technology providers and industry partners, bringing emerging AI capabilities into the organisation's ecosystem and supporting adoption by companies.
• Assess and manage research funding initiatives, identifying which AI projects (including work on safe and responsible AI adoption) are best placed to move from research into commercial application, with a clear-eyed view of where that process typically breaks down.
• Develop and drive the organisation's AI research and innovation strategy, spotting capability gaps and shaping interventions to strengthen its position in the space.
• Build international partnerships with research bodies, industry leaders and emerging researchers; represent the organisation at technology forums and standards discussions.
• Establish thought leadership through papers, panels and industry engagement; advise senior leadership on global technology shifts to inform policy and strategic direction.
• Lead, mentor and develop a team, building a culture of curiosity and continuous improvement.

Requirements

• Degree in a related field; a technical background is useful but not essential.
• Fifteen or more years experience managing technology or innovation programmes, including teams.
• Familiarity with the research and innovation funding ecosystem.
• Proven experience taking technology from research through to commercial application, including an understanding of common value-chain pitfalls.
• Strong stakeholder management skills; comfortable convening senior local and international stakeholders in frank, solutions-focused discussions.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills; a strategic, collaborative operator.